Learn how to use the basic TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding equipment in this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class. Get started creating quality weld beads on mild steel. While this class practices on thin steel, the TIG welder is capable of welding material up to 1/2” thick.

With extensive practice, TIG welding can be used with a wide variety of different metals, producing a very pure, precise, and attractive weld.

Project: No project; just guided practice with an instructor.

Prerequisites: None. However, successful completion of MTL103: Basic Metal Shop will provide access to the cutting and grinding tools needed for working with metal.

Equipment access: TIG welder

Minimum age: 12

Supervision requirements: During class, all 12- to 15-year-old students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also enrolled in the class.

When using the welder outside of class time, 12- to 15-year-old members must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian who has passed the SBU.

Safety:

Mandatory: Closed-toed shoes made of natural fibers or leather, natural fiber or leather long sleeved shirt, natural fiber or leather long pants. Welding hood, gloves and jacket will beprovided by TechShop.

* Membership is verified at the time of the class session. Be sure to bring your badge.

WLD102: MIG Welding SBU
Welding is the process of fusing materials together. In this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class, learn to use a basic metal inert gas (MIG) welder with solid wire and shielding gas to create quality weld beads on steel up to 1/2" thick. This semi-automatic method of welding (continuous consumable wire feed), also called GMAW (gas metal arc welding) and wire feed welding, offers versatility, speed, and quality. About as easy as welding gets, this is a great place for the beginner to start.

Supervision requirements: During class, all 12- to 15-year-old students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also enrolled in the class.

When using the welder outside of class time, 12- to 15-year-old members must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian who has passed the SBU.

Safety:

Mandatory: Closed-toed shoes made of natural fibers or leather, natural fiber or leather long sleeved shirt, natural fiber or leather long pants. Welding hood, gloves and jacket will be provided by TechShop.

* Membership is verified at the time of the class session. Be sure to bring your badge.

WLD103: Oxy-Acetylene Torch SBU
In this Safety and Basic Use (SBU) class, learn to use an oxy-acetylene torch to cut and weld steel. Oxy welding uses a mixture of fuel and oxygen powerful enough to join two pieces of steel or gentle enough to braze aluminum, stainless steel, or copper. Make durable welds with this versatile, fun, and easy-to-learn torch.

Supervision requirements: During class, all 16- and 17-year-old students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also enrolled in the class.

When using the welder outside of class time, 16- and 17-year-old members must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian who has passed the SBU.

Safety:

Mandatory: Closed-toed shoes made of natural fibers or leather, natural fiber or leather long sleeved shirt,natural fiber or leather long pants. Welding glasses, gloves and jacket will be provided by TechShop.

Stick welding, also called shielded metal arc welding, or SMAW, is an electric welding procedure that uses consumable stick electrodes that act as the electrode, filler medium and shielding mechanism all in one.

In this class, learn the fundamental safety procedures accompanying arc welding as well as how to weld mild steel with commonly available electrodes. We will also cover the arc welder setup, weld preparation, electrode size/type selection, and post weld slag cleanup/removal.

Stick welding is fast and very powerful; however, it is not as clean as MIG or TIG and requires more grinding and cleaning after welding.

Supervision requirements: During class, all 12- to 15-year-old students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also enrolled in the class.

When using the welder outside of class time, 12- to 15-year-old members must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian who has passed the SBU.

Safety:

Mandatory: Closed-toed shoes made of natural fibers or leather, natural fiber or leather long sleeved shirt, natural fiber or leather long pants. Welding hood, gloves and jacket will be provided by TechShop.

Aluminum has characteristics that require specific equipment setup, metal preparation and torch operation. In this class, you will practice specific joints and improve weld bead quality under the guidance of an instructor. Lap, butt, corner and fillet welds will all be discussed and individual students will perform at their own rates. Emphasis will be placed on visual inspection of welds and heat zone theory, so that you gain a better understanding of what a quality weld joint really looks like.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the TIG Welding SBU.

Safety: Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt in natural fibers are required clothing in the Hot Shop. Always wear closed-toed shoes at TechShop.